How to pronounce sunset
Say it like SUHN-set. Sunset has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUHN).
- SUHN
- set
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sunset pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SUHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- setGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of sunset
American and British speakers say sunset in essentially the same way: /ˈsʌnˌsɛt/ in the US and /ˈsʌnˌsɛt/ in the UK.
British respelling: SUHN-set.
What does sunset mean?
- The moment each evening when the sun disappears below the western horizon.“at sunset”
- The changes in color of the sky before and after sunset.
- The final period of the life of a person or thing.“one's sunset years”
- To phase out.“We’ll be sunsetting version 1.9 of the software shortly after releasing version 2.0 next quarter.”
Where does sunset come from?
From Middle English son-sett, Sonne set, equivalent to sun + set.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying sunset
How do you pronounce sunset?
Say SUHN-set. The American pronunciation is /ˈsʌnˌsɛt/. In British English it is /ˈsʌnˌsɛt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sunset?
Sunset has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUHN). Broken into parts: SUHN · set.
Do Americans and Brits say sunset the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsʌnˌsɛt/ and the British form is /ˈsʌnˌsɛt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.